To determine the pOH of a solution given its pH, we can use the relationship between pH and pOH. For aqueous solutions at 25°C, the sum of the pH and the pOH is always 14. This relationship is given by the equation:
[tex]\[ \text{pH} + \text{pOH} = 14 \][/tex]
Given the pH value, we need to find the pOH value. Here’s the step-by-step process:
1. Identify the given pH value:
The pH of the solution is 2.
2. Use the pH and pOH relationship:
We know that:
[tex]\[ \text{pH} + \text{pOH} = 14 \][/tex]
3. Substitute the given pH value into the equation:
[tex]\[ 2 + \text{pOH} = 14 \][/tex]
4. Solve for pOH:
To find the pOH, we subtract the pH from 14:
[tex]\[ \text{pOH} = 14 - 2 \][/tex]
5. Calculate the result:
[tex]\[ \text{pOH} = 12 \][/tex]
Therefore, the pOH of a solution that has a pH of 2 is 12.